Research Supports Rice Hulls as Pine Bark Replacement

Source:

Riceland Foods Inc.

Recently released research from the Department of Horticulture at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, authenticates the use of PBH Nature's Media Amendment as a partial replacement for pine bark in nursery stock container media.

Recently released research from the Department of Horticulture at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, authenticates the use of PBH Nature's Media Amendment as a partial replacement for pine bark in nursery stock container media.

Specifically the research concludes that pine bark substrates amended with up to 40 percent PBH will not decrease plant growth or increase the volume of frequency of irrigation for the production of container-grown spirea over one (25 weeks) and two (70 weeks) growing seasons. Based on the research, pine bark-based substrates amended with up to 40 percent PBH retained physical properties that were generally within current guidelines for nursery container substrates after one or two growing seasons. Decomposition was not an issue.

The research substantiating the use of PBH Nature’s Media Amendment as a partial pine bark substitute comes at a time when growers have seen pine bark availability decline, prices rise and freight charges increase. PBH gives growers a sustainable, economical and readily available alternative for container-grown nursery stock production.